CHAP. I.] BLEEDING AND PURGING. 177 



those about him, as will be the case in all studs of 

 a superior cast. If the feverish affection arises 

 from inactive kidneys, the diuretics recommended 

 under that head will be all the treatment that is re- 

 quisite in such a case ; if a dull heavy pulse and 

 the state of his dungings show that the bowels only 

 are at fault, purgatives alone will restore health. 

 So of any other visceral obstruction, when these 

 give pain, fever ensues, and is best removed by the 

 exhibition of mercury ; if the internal irritation con- 

 tinues, rowelling is the remedy most appropriate to 

 such cases, and the state of the pulse will tell the 

 doctor when and why he should bleed. This will 

 bring us to an early consideration of " the pulse," 

 its indications, and general rules. In all cases of 

 inflammation, whether of the whole system, or 

 fever, or of particular organs, let bleeding be re- 

 sorted to immediately, in quantity proportioned to 

 the amount of heat, which is ascertained by the 

 temper of the pulse. " Open \he prima vice" also, 

 is a good maxim of a late respected lecturer on 

 those subjects, meaning thereby — purge the bowels 

 or chief canal, and keep them open. Copious clysters 

 of warm water-gruel assist the latter materially, 

 particularly if a solution of salts be added, accord- 

 ing to the nature of the case ; but rather than delay 

 the clyster through want of the ingredient being at 

 hand, use simple ivarm water only. Very often, in 

 slight attacks, the animal requires no other treat- 

 ment, if resorted to in time ; but delay is dangerous ; 

 for, with every hour the symptoms increase in a 



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